Jet-Strike Bowling from Kenner (1965)

Released in 1965 by Kenner, Jet-Strike Bowling tested the skills of amateur bowlers outside of the bowling alley. Made primarily of plastic bonded to a Masonite base, Jet-Strike included a facsimile bowling lane complete with a tiny mechanical pin setter. Players could use the pin setter to set down up to 10 pins, or practice a variety of spare shots, including the dreaded 5 7 10 split!

Players would load the shooter with a marble and aim at the pins. Pressing down on the shooter’s rubber bulb generated a puff of air that rolled the marble down the lane towards the pins. The game even featured an “automated” ball return completing the bowling alley experience.

Jet-Strike was part of a series of Jet-Shoot Games that included Jet Pitch ‘n Hit Baseball, Jet-Putt Miniature Golf, Jet-Pitch Horseshoes, Jet-Push Shuffleboard, and Jet-Shoot Tic-Tac-Toe.

Explore classic toys and games that captured our attention and never let go.

In addition to providing generations of children with countless hours of open-ended play, 2014 Toy Hall of Fame inductee, Bubbles, played an important role in the formation of iconic toy company, Kenner Products. Read more →

Every week you'll get new writing, interesting links, and an occasional vintage ad delivered straight to your inbox.